Miriam Smith

Miriam Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics at the University of Manchester, where she has been a faculty member since 2013, advancing to Senior Lecturer in 2020. Her academic career spans molecular neuroscience, cancer genomics, and genetic research on nervous system tumors, with significant contributions to understanding schwannomatosis and related conditions.

Education:

• BSc (Hons) in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Bath (2000)
• PhD in Molecular Neuroscience from University College London School of Pharmacy (2004)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2015)
• PGCertHE (2016)

Miriam Smith's research focuses on identifying molecular genetic causes underlying tumors of the nervous system, particularly those associated with Neurofibromatosis type 2 and Schwannomatosis. Her groundbreaking work discovered that the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex subunit, SMARCE1, causes clear cell meningiomas. She continues searching for additional genes and investigating mechanisms of known genes involved in schwannoma and meningioma tumors. Her research integrates molecular genetics, tumor biology, and genomic medicine to uncover the genetic pathways driving these conditions.

Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on NF2-related schwannomatosis, vestibular schwannoma, and genetic mechanisms of tumor development. Her work spans multiple disciplines including cancer genomics, immunology of tumor microenvironments, and clinical genetics applications. A notable trend is the integration of high-dimensional imaging with genetic analysis to understand the complex immunological networks within tumor niches.

Scientific Recognition:

• Young Investigator Award from the Children's Tumor Foundation (2011)

As an educator, Smith has supervised numerous students across various programs including BSc Pathology, MSc Genomic Medicine (as Module Lead for Molecular Pathology of Cancer), and MSci projects. Her teaching portfolio spans clinical genetics, human genetics and evolution, and genomic sciences. She has been actively involved in peer review for journals including Human Genetics and Molecular Genetics and Genomic Medicine, and participated in the Children's Tumor Foundation annual NF meeting. Her research is supported through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre's Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Theme.

Smith leads a research program investigating the genetic mechanisms causing schwannoma and meningioma tumors, with particular emphasis on schwannomatosis. Her work connects basic molecular genetics with clinical applications, contributing to both scientific understanding and potential therapeutic approaches for these neurological conditions.